The Istanbul Governorship announced that the number of deaths from counterfeit alcohol has risen to 23.

In recent days, the toll from the fake alcohol disaster that has caused deaths in Istanbul is increasing. In the last 48 hours, 23 of the 66 people who sought treatment in hospitals due to fake alcohol have died. It has been reported that 32 individuals are being treated in intensive care after being intubated, while the condition of 8 patients is good, and 3 have been discharged.

STATEMENT FROM THE ISTANBUL GOVERNORATE

The Istanbul Governorate stated in a written statement regarding the issue, "Since Monday, January 13, 2025, there has been a significant increase in poisoning cases related to the use of fake alcohol throughout Istanbul. In the last 48 hours, a total of 66 cases of alcohol poisoning have occurred, and 23 of the poisoned individuals have died, while the treatment of 32 intubated patients continues in intensive care units. Three individuals who have completed their treatment have been discharged, and the treatment of 8 patients continues in regular wards. (Since January 1, 2025, 34 people have died in Istanbul due to the use of fake alcohol.) We evaluate that those who produce or sell fake alcohol, causing the deaths of dozens of our citizens, are no different from the terrorists who kill our people. Our struggle against the scoundrels who threaten the lives of our people for their material gain will continue uninterrupted, as it has until now.

Our inspection teams from the police, municipality, and agricultural directorates are continuing their inspection activities without interruption. In this context, our police units have conducted operations at many addresses throughout Istanbul, and 6 individuals who were found to have distributed large amounts of fake alcohol to the market have been detained. Two of these individuals have been arrested by the court for the crime of Intentional Murder and sent to prison. The police procedures for 4 of the individuals are still ongoing. Since January 1, 2025, 29 tons of fake alcohol have been seized in the operations carried out, and 64 businesses identified as selling fake or illegal alcohol have had their licenses revoked and have been closed. The judicial process initiated against the business officials is also ongoing. In operations conducted in 2024, a total of 302 tons of fake alcohol have been seized. It is of vital importance for our citizens to show maximum sensitivity against illegal or fake alcohol and to report suspicious situations to 112 without delay."